Sunderland boss David Moyes reveals transfer priorities before end of the window

Richard Mennear

Sunderland boss David Moyes insists the club is working hard to bring in more signings before the transfer window closes – with four positions targeted.

Moyes wants another striker to help support Jermain Defoe, a senior right-back and up to two midfield players the priority before August 31.

His squad has been hit by injuries with Lee Cattermole, Jan Kirchhoff, Seb Larsson, Billy Jones and now Everton target Lamine Kone out for tomorrow’s visit of Middlesbrough (1.30pm kick-off) – with Fabio Borini a doubt.

The situation hasn’t been helped by Younes Kaboul’s transfer to Watford, a move instigated by the defender who wanted to move back south, and the ongoing situation with Kone.

Kaboul’s age and injury record were factors in Sunderland’s decision to sell.

Moyes is fully aware of the need to strengthen and says that work is ongoing around the clock – with hopes that the more eye-catching signings are still to come.

“I hope so. I am trying to bring in some players, but the market is not easy,” said Moyes.

“Bits have been taken out of our team – we have been hunting very hard for a right-back.

“We took Donald Love as a back-up, a young boy coming through, but we are still looking for that.

“We are still looking for another centre-forward to help Jermain play alongside him or be back-up in some way.

“We couldn’t go in for a [Christian] Benteke, for example. We are not in that market.

“You say about is our best still to come? I hope so, I think we have more to come, but I think we have done some good business as well, I do.”

Sunderland – like other Premier League clubs – structure payments for previous signings so there is that to factor into the summer finances too.